Best Places to View a Rocket Launch

in Lompoc

Lompoc is just minutes from some of the most spectacular rocket launches on California's Central Coast! As the primary spaceport on the West Coast, Vandenberg Space Force Base is just minutes from Lompoc, making our valley and the surrounding area the best place to view rocket launches. The launches take place from several Space Launch Complex launch sites (SLC's).

As Vandenberg is an active space force base, only members of the military can view the launch on the base. However, we have put together a list of several great sites where you'll be able to view the launch action.

Surf Beach

If skies are clear and the beach isn't closed due to security issues, Surf Beach can be a great place to view the launch. Pack snacks, a beach blanket and a camera for some Insta-worthy launch views and a relaxing afternoon at the beach. This is the closest location to the launch pad. However, parking at this location can be limited and the County Sheriff will close the road to the beach once parking is full. You may also encounter mosquitoes, smelly restrooms, and fog.

Features:

Launch pad visible

Parking

Restrooms

Accessible

Ocean Park

The launch pad is not visible from this location four miles from the launch site, but it's still a good vantage point to catch the action. Parking is limited and the County Sheriff will close the road to the beach once parking is full. To pass the time while you wait for a launch, you can do some bird watching or use the playground. Keep an eye on the clock while you're here — this park closes at sunset.

Features:

Parking

Restrooms

Accessible

Allan Hancock College

Located nine miles from the launch site, this community college campus offers a partial view of the launch pad and a view of the rocket's nose cone. Parking may be limited during class hours.

Features:

Paid Parking

Restrooms

Accessible

Food for Purchase

Riverbend Park

Close to Allan Hancock College is Riverbend Park, which offers a large field for activities if you need a way to pass some time if a launch is scrubbed! Just under 10 miles from the launch site, it's still a good place to catch a launch, though you will not be able to see the launch pad. Riverbend Park is also home to 8 full-size soccer fields, making it a busy place on Saturdays — which will affect parking availability.

Features:

Parking

Restrooms

Accessible

West Ocean Avenue

Minutes from downtown, West Ocean Avenue provides a good viewing location (again depending on weather). Parking is along an active roadway, so make sure you park safely, far enough off the roadway to avoid traffic. Several intersections provide a good location for viewing, 13th street/Arguello Blvd., Renwich Avenue, and Floradale Avenue/Ocean Ave.

Santa Lucia Canyon Road & Victory Road

Offering views of SLC-4 and SLC-3 and a partial view of the launch pad, with good visibility for launches and an excellent sonic boom. However, this location has no parking, restrooms, food, and is not handicap accessible.

Viewing locations that are currently closed:

  • Top of Harris Grade Road
  • Hawk's Nest
  • Marshalia Ranch Road
  • Hwy 246

YOUR INSIDER GUIDE

Fill in your information below for immediate access to our Visitor Guide, and start exploring Lompoc!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

When you download our visitor guide, we will occasionally email you about upcoming events and offers in Lompoc. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we will never sell, trade or give your email to anyone.

Lompoc_2024_Visitors_Guide_Mockup